Brad Barnes

The first pints were pulled this week as the Bumble Inn opened its doors to drinkers in Peterborough city centre.

The micropub - where small pubs spring up in empty retail units - is being run by Tom Beran (pictured), landlord of the Coalheavers Arms in Woodston, which he runs with wife Michelle.

The Bumble Inn, Westgate with owner Tom Beran EMN-160614-160022009

But, unlike many mainstream pubs, the converted former pharmacy in Westgate - which is still waiting for its sign over the door - is aimed at the beer-loving community, with no music or TV to get in the way of good old fashioned conversation.

“There was a little queue when we opened at lunchtime on Monday, which was a nice way to start,” said Tom.

“We had a steady trade that afternoon, including a group from Market Deeping, so word is spreading.

“I think we will fit in quite nicely with what Peterborough has to offer.

The Bumble Inn, Westgate with owner Tom Beran EMN-160614-155947009

“We are not competition for the big mainstream pubs, we have no music, no TV - this is a talking pub with an eclectic mix of beers to satisfy the beer drinking community, but everyone is welcome of course.

The eclectic mix currently involves beers from Newcastle, Hull, Nottingham, Cornwall, London to name but a few, not to mention ciders and wine.

The Bumble Inn, which Tom says can hold around 35, opens 12-6pm, Monday to Wednesday, 12-8pm on Thursday, 12-11 on Friday and Saturday, and 12-6pm on Sunday.

The Bumble Inn might be the first, with work well underway at a former bookmaker’s office in Church Street, which will become a micropub and bottle shop known as The Stoneworks Bar .